Multi-fuctional display panel combining interlocking couplings

ABSTRACT

A display panel ( 10 ) comprises a generally rectangular panel having a male part ( 11 ) of a releasable hinge connection disposed along one edge thereof, and a counterpart female part ( 20 ) of a hinge connection disposed along an opposite edge thereof. Several such panels may be inter-engaged together along the edges and, via a connector device, along their ends to provide a versatile display system.

The present invention relates to a display panel, to a connector and toa display system.

Display system units for leaflets, notices, cards and merchandise arewell known but are generally pre-fabricated and are either constructedon site in a fixed format, or are purchased from suppliers inpre-designed formats that may not exactly suit the particularrequirements of a user. Individual display panels are not generallydesigned or available to be combined to form a purpose-built,conformable, unified display structure.

Embodiments of the invention aim to give the user the freedom andflexibility to design a display system or similar panel design structureemploying the use of panels that can be inter-engaged to suit the user'sparticular requirements in a variety of formats and to self-assemble thesame. Display panels can be added, changed, or replaced as part of aself-assembly display system.

One embodiment described herein relates to a single panel, ideallymanufactured from plastics or other resistant materials, that combinesalong the length one of its vertical sides, a male coupling and alongthe length of the opposite vertical edge, a female coupling. Multiplepanels can then be snap-fitted together along their vertical edges toform a continuous interlocking hinged joint between them. The hingedjoint can be rotated within a range without dislocation ordisengagement. The range of rotation allows panels to be inter-engagedin a variety of flat and three-dimensional structures.

The panels incorporate additional interlocking male and femaleconnectors on their horizontal edges. These connectors enable panels tobe locked together in a vertical position or enable them to be attachedto supports from their horizontal edges.

By combining hinged connectors that interlock on the panel's verticalaxes with locking connectors on their horizontal axes, multiple panelscan be joined and displayed in a variety of multi-dimensional formats tosuit the requirements of the user. Additionally, the vertical andhorizontal panel connectors can be made to function as shieldedelectrical circuits for lighting purposes or for the addition ofelectrical and electronic accessories.

Each panel embodies various fitting channels or mounting positions thatenable the panels to accommodate a variety of presentation attachments,such as leaflet dispensers, card holders, merchandise accessories,pictures, frames, electrical and electronic fittings or other decorativeattachments.

Panels further embody connection housings to attach support structures.For example to attach a panel or a display to a flat surface such as awall, to support a free standing panel or a display structure in a fixedor mobile position, to lock panels into a fixed position on a platforme.g. by applying a locking rod through the housings of one or moreconnecting panels, and to enable a panel or a display structure to besuspended.

Embodiments of the panels can be coupled to other similar panels usinginterlocking panel couplings to self-assemble multi-panel displaystructures for a variety of purposes. When used to display literatureand merchandise, the panel acts as a mounting frame to which a varietyof mountable fixings can be attached, including attachments to holdleaflets, cards, notices, pictures, merchandise, accessories, electricaland electronic fittings. The display panel has applications for lightingand decorative designs as well as picture framing.

The panels may combine an interlocking hinge coupling on their verticaledges, that forms a continuous, rotatable connection along two adjacentpanel vertical edges. Interlocking connectors on two adjacent panelhorizontal edges enable panels to be locked together vertically. Thisconnectivity enables a person to design and self-assemblemulti-dimensional display structures from the panels. Modern materialsparticularly metals and plastics, in the form of easily self-assembledpanels provide the ideal building medium for creative contemporarydisplay and decorative designs.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided adisplay panel having first and second opposing edges, the first edgecomprising a male part of a hinged connection and the second edgecomprising a counterpart female part.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided adisplay panel, comprising a panel having first and second sides beingdisposed substantially opposite one another, and wherein a male part ofa continuous interlocking hinged connection is disposed on the firstsubstantially thereof and a female part of a further continuousinterlocking hinged connection is disposed on the second side thereof.An advantage of the connection is that a panel can be attached to asimilar panel in a variety of configurations.

The male part may be generally C-shaped with an engaging portionprotruding from a mid-point thereof. The female part may be generallyC-shaped with a receiving portion protruding from a rear sectionthereof. This allows the interlocking connection to be smoothly andcontinuously hingeable yet securable. The male part and the female partof the continuous interlocking hinged connection may extend rearwardlywith respect to a front face of the panel. This enables the connectionto be hidden behind the panel in any configuration, creating anaesthetically appealing display.

The male part of the continuous interlocking hinged connection may bearranged to be interlockable with a female part of the connectiondisposed on a substantially vertical side of a further panel accordingto the first or second aspects of the invention. The panels are thussecurely connected but able to move relative to each other.

The panel and the further panel may be arranged to be rotatable relativeto each other through a range of rotation. The panels can be thereforebe easily arranged at the desired orientation.

The range of rotation may be between at least a first connectionposition in which an angle between the panel and the further panel is anacute angle and at least a second connection position in which the anglebetween the panel and the further panel is 180°. This allows the panelsto be arranged adjacent to each other in a straight line or at any anglebetween a straight line (180°) and an acute angle, enabling greatflexibility to the configuration of the display. The acute angle may beapproximately 60°. This allows three such panels to be formed as adisplay structure having a triangular platform.

The male part of the connection and the female part of the connectionmay be arranged to be lockable in position with a lock in at least oneconnection position thereof. This feature improves the security of twopanels, ensuring they will not become disassembled without appropriateforce being applied thereon. The lock may be a snap fit. The connectionis therefore easy to assemble by hand. The connection position the anglebetween the panel and the first panel may be 60°.

The male part of the connection and the female part of the connectionmay be formed integrally with the panel. This enables ease and speed ofassembly.

The display panel may include a front face, the front face including atleast one fitting for the mounting of a presentation attachment. Asingle fitting can thus house various types of presentation attachmentsuch as a literature pocket or poster. The presentation attachment maybe an electrical or electronic fitting. Such a fitting may include alight fitting, a computer screen or other digital display.

The display panel may include a rear face, which may include at leastone connection housing for the attachment of a support structure.

The connection housing may be a conduit for the housing of an electricalwire. The panel may also comprise a substantially horizontal side. Thesupport structure may be a connector for the attachment of two panels atthe horizontal edge thereof.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-section through a display panel embodying theinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the display panel of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3 and 4 show partial cross-sections of two panels prior to beingconnected together;

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross-section of two panels connected togetherand disposed in a straight line;

FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-section of two panels connected togetherand mutually disposed at 120°;

FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-section of two panels connected togetherand disposed at 60°;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of three panels connected together to forma triangular shape;

FIG. 9 shows an elevation of the panels of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a front elevation of a second display panel embodying theinvention;

FIG. 11 shows a rear elevation of the display panel of FIG. 10 showingan embodiment of the central rear channel;

FIG. 12 shows an end view of the display panel of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 shows an end view of an assembly of two of the second displaypanels of FIG. 10 connected together and mutually disposed at 60°;

FIG. 14 shows an end view of an assembly of two of the second displaypanels of FIG. 10 connected together and mutually disposed at 120°;

FIG. 15 shows an end view of an assembly of two of the second displaypanels of FIG. 10 connected together and mutually disposed at 180°;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an assembly of three of the seconddisplay panels of FIG. 10 connected together to form a triangular body;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a multi-purpose connect piece;

FIG. 18 shows an assembly of a panel embodying the invention and aliterature pocket;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an assembly of two second displaypanels of FIG. 10 mounted via the multi-purpose connect piece of FIG. 17to a wall mounting rail;

FIG. 20 shows a display panel similar to the panel of FIG. 10 and havinga merchandise attachment;

FIG. 21 shows a light fitting attachment for use with a display panelembodying the invention;

FIG. 22 shows a partial perspective view of a floor standing literaturecarrousel, having 120 display panels of the invention inter-engagedvertically and horizontally, and fitted to a base;

FIG. 23 shows 36 display panels inter-engaged both vertically andhorizontally to form a literature display;

FIG. 24 shows 9 display panels inter-engaged to form a three tier doublepocket triangular display system;

FIG. 25 a shows a schematic of a display panel of the invention showingan electrical light fitting attached to a front face thereof;

FIG. 25 b shows a schematic of a display panel of the invention showinga rear connection housing in use as a conduit for an electrical wire ofthe electrical light fitting;

FIG. 26 shows a schematic of a display panel of the invention having adigital display and screen;

FIG. 27 shows detail of the connecting piece of FIG. 17;

FIG. 28 a shows schematically how an attachment is fastened to a displaypanel of the invention;

FIG. 28 b shows a schematic of an attachment fastened to a display panelof the invention;

FIG. 29 a is a schematic of a display panel of the invention showing analternative embodiment of a central rear channel and showing a lockingrod; and

FIG. 29 b shows schematically how the locking rod of FIG. 28 a fastensinto the central rear channel of a display panel according to theinvention

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display panel 5 can be used as a mountingframe for a variety of mountable attachments. The panel 5 is generallyplanar and rectangular, and has a planar front face and a rear face 7.The panel 5 has along its respective vertical edges, a male coupling onone edge, 1 and a counterpart female coupling on the opposite edge, 2.When connected with a matching panel edge, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, thecouplings snap-fit together to form a continuous, interlocking,vertical, hinged connection between the adjoining panels, 3. The maleand female couplings are positioned to snap together at about theirminimum adjoining angle, FIG. 7 and can be rotated to numerous otherangles, FIGS. 5 and 6. The male and female couplings are interconnected,3 throughout their rotation and this prevents adjoining panels fromdislocating or disengaging. This hinged connection enables multiplepanels to be joined together into numerous multi-panel structuralformats, including triangular, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 and multi-facetedbodies as well as flat and other three dimensional panel formats.

The display panel 5 has slots 6 forming mounting connectors, that can beused to mount a variety of attachments to the panel such as logos,leaflet dispensers, card holders, merchandise holders, hooks foraccessories, pictures and frames, lighting, and electronic fittings. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slots 6 run parallel to the edges1,2 and to the ends, but other locations may be used where appropriate.

The back face 7 of the display panel defines one or more recesses 8 toaccommodate support structures. These are shaped as desired to attachpanels to a flat structure such as a wall, to support free-standingpanels in a fixed or mobile position, or to enable panels to besuspended and/or to insert a locking rod or other device for theprevention of unauthorised removal of panels or for securing panels to aplatform.

Display panels embodying the invention may be manufactured to suit anumber of panel system sizes or size combinations. They may readily beself-assembled.

Individual display panels and their moulded interlockable couplings maybe constructed as one-piece units from plastics by extrusion orinjection moulding. An alternative is to use a metal, such as aluminium,which can be extruded. It is also envisaged that display panelsembodying the invention and the interlocking couplings be manufacturedseparately, with securing by bonding or other means of attachment lateras a separate process.

Display panels may be produced in a variety of sizes, styles, colours,transparencies, textures and shapes to suit a wide range of displaystructures and can be overprinted for a variety of purposes.

Referring to FIG. 10, a display panel 10 is a generally rectangularpanel having first and second mutually parallel vertical edges 22, 35,first and second mutually parallel ends 26, 36, a front face 50 and arear face 70, shown in FIG. 12. It is noted that the terms vertical andhorizontal, and front and rear, are used for clarity of description indescribing this embodiment and that the invention is not limited to apanel of this orientation. The edges 22, 35 form a releasable couplingallowing hinging between adjacent panels, while securing the panelstogether.

Integrally formed along first edge 22 is the male part 11 of thereleasable coupling. The male part is best seen in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12and is a generally semi-circular C-portion 11 extending laterally andrearwardly from the panel such that an external convex face 16 of theC-portion forms a rearwardly curving extension of the front face 50 ofthe panel 10. The C-portion 11 has a proximal end face 14 and a distalend face 15. The C-portion 11 is set slightly back from the front face50 so that there is a step transition between the front face 50 and thecurve of the male part 11. The proximal end face 14 of the C-portion 11lies adjacent the rear face 70 of the panel, is disposed rearwardly fromrear face 70 to form a step transition between the end face 14 and therear face 70. As will be understood by reference to FIG. 12, the size ofthis step is such as to correspond to a thickness of a tapering end partof an adjoining panel so that two panels can together form asubstantially continuous sheet. The C-portion 11 further has a concaveinternal face 17 and a second end face 15 at the rearmost portion of theC-portion. Protruding from the centre of the rear face 17 is an engagingportion 19, extending radially to the centre of the semicircle definedby the C-shaped portion 11. The engaging portion 19 is a fillet pieceextending from the concave internal face 17 to an end having asubstantially circular formation 18 around the centre of the semicircle.This provides for engagement of the female part when in use.

The second edge 35 of the panel 10 has an integrally-formed female part20 of the releasable coupling. The female part 20 is best seen in FIG.10 and FIG. 12, and also comprises a generally C-shaped semi-circularportion, having a distal end and a proximal end. The female part 20 hasa convex external face 23 and a concave internal face 27. The internalface 27 is exposed along the 35 edge of the panel 10 to the side of thepanel 10. The external face 23 is directed substantially laterallyinwardly of the panel towards a centre line of the panel 10. The radiusof the internal face 27 from the centre of the semi-circular female partis slightly larger than is the radius of the external face 15 of themale part 11 such that in use, the external face 15 of the male part isable to fit snugly inside the internal face 27 of the female part.Protruding forwardly from a position close to the distal end of theC-shaped circular portion is a second fillet member 22 forming areceiving portion 22. The second fillet member 22 extends from theinternal face 27 via a radial straight portion 28 to a hooked endportion 29. The hooked end portion 29 defines a concavity around thecentre of the semicircle defined by the C-shaped part 20.

The circumferential extent of the male part is such that when a malepart is inter-engaged with a female part, the distal end 15 of the malepart abuts the second fillet member 22. The overall dimensions of themale and female parts allow the male part 11 to fit closely inside thefemale part 20 of an adjoining panel when the male and female parts areinter-engaged.

The front face 50 of the panel 10 defines first and second channels 52,54 running vertically therealong spaced from a centre line of the panel10. First channel 52 runs generally parallel to and adjacent to the malepart 11 and second channel 54 running generally parallel to and adjacentto the female part 20. The channels 52, 54 form the groove part of atongue and groove fastening mechanism for the attachment of variouspresentation attachments in use.

As seen in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, first to third pairs of longitudinalprojections 72, 74 and 76 protrude from the rear face 70 of the panel 10to define channels. The third pair 76 of longitudinal projections aredisposed on each side of the centre line of the panel 10. First andsecond pairs of projections 72 and 74 are spaced apart symmetrically oneach side of the centre line but closer to the centre line than thefront-face channels 52, 54. The third pair 76 of longitudinalprojections protrude further from the rear face of the panel 10 than thefirst and second pairs of projections 72 and 74, thereby to define arelatively deeper channel. The size and shape of the channel defined bythe third pair 76 of projections permits accommodation of electricalwiring therein for electric presentation attachments if so desiredand/or for use as a locking device e.g. by inserting a locking rodthrough one or more vertically connected panels. In practice, any of thechannels or projections can be appropriately configured to permitaccommodation of electrical wiring and/or a locking device.

FIG. 13 shows two panels 100, 200 each generally identical to the panel10. The male part 211 of panel 200 is inter-engaged with the female part120 of panel 100. The male part 211 and female part 120 form arotational hinge which is continuous along the edges of the panels.Further reference to FIG. 13 shows that the panels 100 and 200 aredisposed at substantially 60°, the minimum angle between the rear face170 and rear face 270 of each respective panel 100, 200. Substantialfurther movement of the panels toward one another would causedisengagememt.

In this orientation the male part 211 sits partially inside the femalepart 120 and the substantially circular formation 219 of panel 200 isengaged by the hooked end portion 122 of the panel 100. The male part211 fits partially and snugly adjacent the inner face 127 of the femalepart 120. Thus, the panels are removably inter-engaged with each other,yet the male part of the connection is able to rotate inside the femalepart of the connection to change the included angle between the rearfaces of the panels within a range of this minimum angle of 60°, up toand including 180° (shown in FIG. 15). In FIG. 14 the two panels areshown inter-engaged at an angle of approximately 120°. At 180°, the malepart 211 is entirely enclosed in the female part 120 and the front faces150 and 250 of the panels 100 and 200 lie flush with one another to forma seamless enlarged panel. Several panels may be connected together atthe vertical edges thereof to produce different sizes of display panelas required. For example, FIG. 16 shows three such panels inter-engagedtogether and an included angle of 60° between the rear face of eachpanel to form a sturdy triangular shaped display system. As a furtherexample, five such panels could be inter-engaged together with anincluded angle of 108° between two panels, to form a pentangle shapedsystem.

In order to produce further configurations of the display system, amulti-purpose connector 350 is provided. Shown in perspective view inFIG. 17, the connector 350 is a plastic or metallic block-shaped body.The body has opposed generally rectangular first and second major faces351, 353, first and second opposed long side faces 352, 358 and firstand second short side faces 354, 356.

The first long side face 352 and the first and second short side faces354, 356 each have a similar form. The form of one of these side faceswill now be described with reference to FIG. 27.

Referring to FIG. 27, the two major faces 351, 353 of the connectingpiece 350 extend via respective shoulder portions 367, 369 into acentral projecting portion 370. The central projecting portion 370 hasfirst and second opposing generally planar side faces 371, 372 and adistal curved end face 373 extending between the side faces 371, 372.The side faces 371, 372 and the distal curved end face 373 form arounded tongue 365 that is shaped to fit into the channels 52, 54 andthe channels between the projection 72 and 74 of the panel 10, 100 or200. Thus the connector can be attached to the panel along its shortsides 354, 356 or its long side 352. The second long side face issubstantially planar but defines first and second channels 360, 362 eachrunning laterally across the second long side face 358. The channels360, 362 are of equal size and are symmetrically arranged about a medianplane line between the first and second short side. The first channel360 lies toward the first short side face 354 and the second channel 362lies toward the second short side face 356. In use, these channels 360,362 provide groove parts of tongue and groove attachment mechanisms suchas shown in FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 illustrates one use of the connector 350. Two panels 400, 500are inter-engaged together at 180°. The panels 400, 500 are hungvertically from a wall mounted rail 420 that includes horizontal tongues422 and 424. Several connectors 350 are shown attached to thewall-mounted rail 420 via the tongue and groove mechanism of the tongue422 and 424 and the grooves 360, 362 of the bottom face 358 of theconnector 350. The connection between the connectors 350 and the panels400 and 500 is exploded in FIG. 19 for clarity. In use, the tongue 365of the connector 350 is inserted into one of the channels 472, 474, 572or 574 of the panels 400 and 500 respectively. When assembled, thepanels 400 and 500 completely obscure the wall-mounting rail 420,providing an aesthetic wall mounted display system.

It is envisaged that a connector 350 can be used to connect two panelstogether in a vertical direction at the ends thereof. In order to attachtwo panels in this way, one half of the connector 350 is inserted intothe channel formed between the longitudinal projections 72 or 74 of onepanel whilst the other half of the connector is inserted into thecorresponding channel of the second panel. Thus, the display system maybe extended in the vertical direction as well as in the horizontaldirection.

It is further envisaged that the connector 350 can be used to addstability to the rear faces of panels forming a polygon stand wherenecessary.

Various presentation arrangements and fittings may be fitted to thepanel, some of which are illustrated in FIGS. 19, 20, 21 and 22. In FIG.19, display hangings 600 are attached to the front face 450 and 550 ofthe panels 400 and 500 respectively, using the tongue and grooveattachment mechanism described earlier. Tongues (not shown) are providedat the rear of the display hanging for attachment to the panel. FIG. 18shows a panel 700 with a literature pocket 720 attached to the frontface 750 thereof. FIG. 20 shows a display panel 800 with pegs 820attached to the front face 850 thereof for the display of variousmerchandise. FIG. 21 shows a light fitting attachment 920 for use with adisplay panel (not shown). The light fitting attachment 920 isapproximately the width of a panel and is attached to the panel usingtongue portion 940 at a rear face 970 thereof. The light fitting 920 isshown schematically attached to a panel 900 in FIG. 25 a. In thisparticular embodiment, the light fitting is attached at the top of thepanel. FIG. 25 b shows a rear view of the panel 900 and illustrates howthe electrical wiring of an electrical fitting such as the light fitting920 can be discreetly housed in the channel 976 running down the centreof the panel 900. Other forms of presentation attachments envisagedinclude electronic displays, screens such as those illustratedschematically in FIG. 26.

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 show specific examples of how several panels can beinter-engaged together both vertically and horizontally to producedifferent types of display system. In FIG. 22, 120 panels 1000 are showninter-engaged together as 6 levels of 20 panels, the bottom level ofwhich is mounted upon a floor standing base 1020 to form a floorstanding literature carousel. Each panel 1000 has a literature pocket1040 attached thereto for presentation of various literature. In FIG.23, 36 such panels 1100 are shown inter-engaged together vertically andhorizontally in two blocks of 20 panels and 16 panels respectively, thetwo blocks hinged together at 90° to form an angular wall mountedliterature display. Each panel has a literature pocket 1140 attachedthereto for the display of various literature. Such a display systemcould be floor mounted or mounted on a wall mounted railing as describedpreviously. FIG. 24 shows a three tier double pocket triangular displaysystem in which 9 panels 1200 are inter-engaged together as a triangleover three levels. The display system is provided with a lid 1260 thatsnap-fits into position on top of the triangular structure to improvethe aesthetics of the display system. A base may also be provided (notshown). Double pocket literature pockets 1240 are provided for thedisplay of various literature. It is envisaged that the invention can bemanufactured from plastics or metal or wood or a combination thereof. Inparticular, where the panel is manufactured from plastics or metal, thepanel is extruded as a single piece, with the male and femaleinterlocking parts formed integrally with the panel. Whilst this isadvantageous, it is not necessary that the male and female parts areformed integrally with the panel and may be secured to the panelafterwards. It is further envisaged that the panels may be of variouscolours and appearances including metallic, transparent or opaque colourin order to provide a variety of finishes according to requirements andapplication of use.

The male and female parts of the panel need not be along the verticalside there of and equally be along the horizontal sides thereof.Furthermore the sides of the panel need not be parallel if such adisplay configuration required otherwise. Indeed, the sides need not bevertical and horizontal but could be angled to the vertical and/or tothe horizontal.

1-26. (canceled)
 27. A display panel having first and second edges, thefirst and second edges being mutually opposing, the first edgecomprising a male part of a hinged connection and the second edgecomprising a female part, the female part being counterpart to the malepart, wherein the male part has a generally semi-circular outer wall andhas a member extending generally radially inwardly of the semi-circularouter wall.
 28. The display panel of claim 27, wherein the male part andthe female part run continuously along the respective edges of thedisplay panel.
 29. The display panel of claim 27, wherein thesemi-circular outer wall of the male part has an outerpart-circular-cylindrical surface and the female part defines an openinghaving a wall for engagement by said surface.
 30. The display panel ofclaim 27, wherein the female part comprises a proximal portion and aproximal portion, the proximal portion extending from a planar portionof said display panel to the distal portion, and further comprises agenerally radial member with a hooked end portion extending from thedistal portion.
 31. The display panel of claim 27, wherein the displaypanel has a front face and an opposing rear face, and the male andfemale parts extend rearwardly with respect to the front face.
 32. Thedisplay panel of claim 27, wherein the panel is configured to allow afurther said panel engaged therewith by the hinged connection to berotatable relative to each other through a range of rotation.
 33. Thedisplay panel of claim 32, in which the range of rotation is between atleast a first inter-engaged position in which an angle between the paneland the further panel is an acute angle and at least a secondinter-engaged position in which the angle between the panel and thefurther panel is at least 180 degrees.
 34. The display panel of claim33, in which the said acute angle is approximately 60 degrees.
 35. Thedisplay panel of claim 27, wherein the male part of the display paneland the counterpart female part of a further display panel form areleasable fastening.
 36. The display panel of claim 35, in which themale part of the connection and the female part of the connection areremovably securable via a snap fit.
 37. The display panel of claim 27,wherein the panel is configured to allow a further said panel engagedtherewith by the hinged connection to be rotatable relative to eachother through a range of rotation between at least a first inter-engagedposition in which an angle between the panel and the further panel is anacute angle and at least a second inter-engaged position, whereinrotation to an angle less than said acute angle allows connection viathe hinge connection to be released.
 38. The display panel of claim 27,in which the male part and the female part are integral with the displaypanel.
 39. A display panel having first and second opposing edges, thefirst edge comprising a male part of a hinged connection and the secondedge comprising a counterpart female part, the display panel having afront face, the front face including at least one fitting for themounting of a presentation attachment.
 40. The display panel of claim39, in which the presentation attachment is an electrical or electronicfitting.
 41. The display panel of claim 39, in which the presentationattachment is a merchandise or literature fitting or picture fitting.42. The display panel of claim 39, in which the presentation attachmentincludes a frame or border fitting.
 43. A display panel having first andsecond opposing edges, the first edge comprising a male part of a hingedconnection and the second edge comprising a counterpart female part, thepanel having a rear face, the rear face including at least one formationfor the attachment of a support structure.
 44. The display panel ofclaim 43, in which the at least one formation includes a conduit for thehousing of an electrical wire.
 45. The display panel of claim 43, inwhich the at least one formation includes a conduit for the insertion ofa rod or device for securing the panel in place.
 46. The display panelof claim 43, in which the panel comprises opposed ends, and has anelectrical conductor running between the opposed ends, wherein anelectrical connection is provided at said ends to enable current to flowthrough panels engaged at their ends.
 47. A display panel having firstand second opposing edges, the first edge comprising a male part of ahinged connection and the second edge comprising a counterpart femalepart, the panel being formed as a single piece extrusion.
 48. Aconnector for connecting a first display panel having first and secondopposing edges, the first edge comprising a male part of a hingedconnection and the second edge comprising a counterpart female part,said display panel having an end to another display panel having firstand second opposing edges, the first edge comprising a male part of ahinged connection and the second edge comprising a counterpart femalepart, said connector being adapted to connect said display panels attheir ends.
 49. A display system having plural rectangular displaypanels, each having opposing faces, first and second opposing long edgesand first and second short edges wherein each panel is configured to behingedly and releasably connectable to a respective other panel alongits long edges and to be releasably connectable to a respective otherpanel at its short edges.
 50. The display system of claim 49, whereineach panel is arranged to support an electrical conductor, and furthercomprising respective connectors for connecting between the conductorsof respective panels.